Contemplating what could be a bruising fight against Democrats and President Barack Obama for 2012 electoral victory, the two-day Faith and Freedom Coalition conference in Washington this weekend is bringing together cultural and economic conservatives in one of the largest and most public efforts to merge the disparate conservative factions.FULL POST

Washington (CNN) – He may have irked some conservatives by flirting with, then bailing on, a presidential run and by recently bailing on a commitment to speak to Iowa Republicans - but Donald Trump appears to remain popular among conservative voters.

In his first major political outing since deciding against a presidential bid in mid-May, Trump wowed the crowd at the Faith and Freedom Coalition conference in Washington on Friday by dusting off his familiar lines of political attack against Democrats and President Barack Obama.FULL POST

After an appearance at an electronic contract manufacturer in Milford, New Hampshire on Thursday, the former Minnesota governor was asked if he is concerned that a Palin bid could "big-foot" his White House hopes.FULL POST

Milford, New Hampshire (CNN) – One day after refusing to answer whether or not he'd sign House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan's controversial budget plan, Tim Pawlenty said on Thursday he would sign it as president – if he couldn't have his own plan.

The comments from the Republican presidential candidate go a step further than what he said Wednesday, when he spoke at a conservative think tank and answered reporter questions afterwards.FULL POST

Derry, New Hampshire (CNN) - On Wednesday during a town hall discussion on health care, presidential candidate Newt Gingrich repeated his frequent criticism of the nation's health care law that critics brand, "Obamacare," calling it unconstitutional and unfair.

And yet Gingrich also took aim at the Massachusetts health care law passed under the governorship of potential presidential rival Mitt Romney, who is expected to officially declare a presidential bid after his current exploratory phase.FULL POST

Atlanta (CNN) - Using an urban phrase used to convey a sense of excitement, radio host and businessman Herman Cain emerged to throngs of supporters on Saturday and formally announced his presidential bid.

"Awww shucky ducky," the conservative Republican joked with the crowd in Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park as he stepped out to applause and adoring chants.FULL POST

Washington (CNN) - As President Obama's speech on the U.S. role in the Middle East is getting praise by some around the world, it is also receiving harsh criticism from political opponents at home.

One Republican presidential hopeful is accusing the president of having a dangerous foreign policy, while another claims Obama is making a "dangerous demand." Two others alternately claim the president has "betrayed" and "disrespected" Israel.